The Story of Universal Dental Associates’ John Langenbrunner

I opened my office on the north side of Johnson City, TN in 1983. I was living and practicing dentistry in Knoxville and limited my time originally, working only two days a week. The practice grew so fast that, within 3 months, I hurried my move and was working full time.

I felt I had earned the trust of my patients and that is everything. If people feel you are honest and will stand by what you do, a practice will grow itself. Not having grown up in the area, I was amazed how easily it was to make friends and make friends in patients. I picked the Johnson City area to live in because of the beauty. The prospect of fishing, hunting, and just being in the woods is what originally drew me to the area. My living was second to where I wanted to live. The business aspect turned out to be an unexpected plus.

In the years here, my practice has grown rapidly. There are now four dentists working in the practice and everyone stays busy. We have four hygienists so can most often accommodate someone within a week.

In 1985, I bought a lot on west Walnut and designed my “new” office. Living on the south side of Johnson City and seeing a scarcity of services being present there, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity. It was because patients followed me when I moved and new patients joined.

I feel I’ve been lucky to live in East Tennessee and cannot see myself anywhere else. I feel the population of the area is lucky to have so many trained and accessible health professionals.